Withdrawal
If you find that the steering mechanism is faulty, it is not recommended to repair it yourself. Since special tools are required for repairs, it is better to provide it to the dealer service department (or completely replace the node). The order of removal and installation of the steering mechanism is given below.
1. On E28 models («retro») discharge the hydraulic system by depressing the brake pedal approximately 20 times.
2. Use a large syringe or hand pump to drain the power steering hydraulic reservoir (see chapter Car maintenance).
3. Jack up the front of the car and place it securely on axle stands.
4. Support the front of the engine with a wheel jack. Place a block of wood between the jack head and the sump to prevent damage to the sump.
5. Give the hinge bolts on the inner ends of the suspension arms (see chapter Front suspension).
6. Give nuts on the left and right support of the engine (see chapter Engine).
7. Give fixing bolts (on early models two on each side, on later models three on each side) on the cross member of the subframe and remove the subframe.
8. Give nuts and bolts of fastening of a steering shaft to a worm shaft of the steering mechanism. Lift the steering shaft up and remove it from the worm shaft. Inspect the steering shaft for signs of wear. If it is worn or the universal joints are sticking, replace it.
9. Give the hollow bolts and disconnect the inlet (right arrow) and return line (left arrow) hydraulic system from the steering gear. Note that the return line fitting hollow bolt is larger than the inlet fitting bolt (shown for left hand drive models). Plug the ends of the lines to prevent contamination and fluid loss. Discard the sealing washers - new ones must be installed during reassembly.
10. Give bolts of fastening of the steering mechanism and remove the steering mechanism. The bolt, indicated by the arrow, holds the steering gear to the cross member of the subframe. Access to the nut, which is not visible in the photo above, is provided through a hole in the cross beam (The engine has been removed in the photo to make it easier to see; left hand drive model shown):
11. This bolt (indicated by an arrow) holds the steering gear to the body (the nut, which is not visible in the photo, is located on the front side of the mechanism):
12. If it is necessary to disconnect the steering arm from the sector shaft of the mechanism (to repair the mechanism or replace the bipod), mark both parts so that they can be reassembled correctly. Give a fixing nut and a washer of a steering bipod. If necessary, use a puller to remove the bipod.
Installation
1. Establish a steering bipod, having combined marks put earlier. Then tighten the nut to the required torque.
2. After installation, the steering arm should not have any noticeable end play within 100°of the neutral position. If there is still play, check the following details:
- Sector shaft and bearings (wear)
- Thrust washer and adjusting bolt head (wear)
- ball nut and worm shaft (wear)
3. Install the steering gear. Align the marks on the steering gear shaft and on the steering shaft and tighten the steering gear mounting bolts to the required torque.
4. The rest of the installation procedure repeats the removal in reverse order. Be sure to install new locknuts on the steering shaft, middle tie rod, steering gear and cross member. Use new sealing washers on the hydraulic line unions.
5. Contact the Head Car maintenance and fill the reservoir of the power steering hydraulic system with the recommended fluid, then bleed the system as described in Section Bleeding the hydraulic system of the power steering mechanism. Check for fluid leaks in lines and connections.